To learn about the most at risk
populations for serious slips and falls, simply continue reading to discover four of the largest groups
that have a high risk of slipping and falling.
Four populations that have a high
risk of slipping and falling:
1. Senior citizens over the age
of 65
Senior citizens over the age of
65 are highly susceptible to slipping and falling. In fact, one third of senior
citizens over the age of 65, will suffer an accidental fall in the next year.
Worse yet, half of senior citizens, aged over 80 will suffer a fall in the
coming year. Common injuries which are sustained by senior citizens who suffer
a serious fall include hip injuries and concussion as well as broken arms and
legs. In fact, 25% of seniors who are admitted to
hospital are admitted as a direct result of a fall or slip.
Why are senior citizens so prone
to slipping and falling? Seniors who don't exercise on a regular basis may lose
the muscle strength that they need to walk without assistance or a walker.
Other seniors may find that their balance is affected by their medication or
that they are affected by mobility related conditions such as arthritis. Lastly
seniors may fall or slip, due to vision problems such as glaucoma or cataracts.
As if an individual can't see properly, they may make errors in judgment, when
it comes to moving around their home.
If you or a loved one have
suffered a slip or fall as a result of the negligence of a store or a business,
click here to discover how an experienced attorney may be able to help you sue
for damages. As it's unacceptable for a business to leave slippery puddles or
cracked flooring, for their customers to slip on. Businesses must also provide
handrails for flights of steps and must ensure that any rugs are secured to the
floor.
2. Individuals who work at
elevated heights or in hazardous conditions
Individuals such as construction
workers who work at elevated heights, are at risk of suffering a serious fall.
Unfortunately, a lot of business owners cut corners when it comes to worker
safety. As an example, whilst building companies are required by law to provide
adequate scaffolding, if they intend to have workers working on a damaged roof,
some building companies will send apprentices up onto a roof with little or no
scaffolding.
3. Individuals who take
prescription medicine on a regular basis
Individuals who take prescription
medicine on a daily basis, increase their chances of suffering a fall or slip
as they may slip as a result of a side effect of their medicine. As an example,
some medications such as tramadol, which is used to treat mild to severe pain,
may make an individual nauseous and unable to stand properly. If currently
prescribed medication which is giving you severe side effects, it's well worth
talking to your doctor about possible alternatives.
4. Individuals on social welfare
Individuals on social welfare,
may not have enough money to ensure that their home is a safe space to maneuver
around. As an example they may not have enough money to fix cracks or holes in
the floor or put a hand rail up, next to
